Kay was born on April 7, 1937, in Peru, Illinois, to Elmer and Mary Benedict. She attended the Univ. of Illinois, where she met Aubrey “Bud” Monson at a church social. They married in 1959 and celebrated 65 years of marriage before Bud’s passing in 2023.

Kay and Bud had two sons while living in the Quad Cities, and the family later moved to Dubuque in 1970 as Bud continued his career with John Deere. Kay lived in Dubuque for more than 50 years before moving to Renaissance Senior Living in Madison in 2023.

Over the course of her life, Kay was a devoted mother, homemaker, K-12 art teacher, and accomplished artist. Art was an important part of who she was. She found inspiration in artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and brought creativity, care, and a distinct artistic eye to the way she saw the world.

Kay and Bud enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. She was especially happy to have her granddaughter, Laura Monson, stay with them while Laura completed a summer internship at the Dubuque River Museum.

Kay is survived by her sons, Mark Monson and his wife, Heather, and Craig Monson and his wife, Lisa Rappaport; her granddaughter, Laura Monson; and other relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Aubrey “Bud” Monson; her parents, Elmer and Mary Benedict; and her brother, John Benedict.

In accordance with Kay’s wishes, she will be cremated, and no services will be held.

The family requests that remembrances be made as contributions to Agrace Hospice.

Please share your memories below in the online guest book.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434